Yesterday we took a look at the Tampa Bay Lightning and what's gone on during the first half of the season in the NEFHL. Today I would like to take a look at how lightning players are doing in the NHL so far this season. To do so, I am going to go line by line with their stats so far in the NHL.
First line
Max Pacioretty 36 GP 14G 14A ----- Patrice Bergeron 36 GP 7G 20A -------- Filip Forsberg 35 GP 14G 21A
Forsberg the youngster is actually the star of this line right now. Pacioretty and Bergeron aren't having the best first half but even if they stay at this pace, this is a very dangerous first line!
Second line
Jiri Hudler 37 GP 13G 23A -------- David Krejci 17 GP 4G 8A ---------- Tyler Johnson 37 GP 13G 24A
Hudler and Johnson are tearing it up at about a point a game each. Even if they don't keep this pace, 65 points should be pretty easy. Krejci has struggled since coming back from injury but we aren't concerned about the point per game rate being around the 0.85 per game rate.
Third line
Brandon Dubinsky 8 GP 0G 4A --------- Mikael Granlund 32 GP 4G 11A ------------ Mikkel Boedker 36 GP 9G 13A
Third line is interesting as Dubinsky is off to a slow start coming off an injury and Granlund is off to a very slow start and is now injured for a month which is frustrating as in his last game before the injury he looked his best all year with a goal and assist. Boedker is on the cusp of a top line guy but not there yet.
Zach Smith 27 GP 2G 1A ---------- Markus Granlund 27 GP 5G 8A ------------------ Richard Panik 33 GP 7G 1A
Smith is having a terrible year and is now injured. Granlund is playing very well and may steal the number 3 C job from his brother especially if he keeps on centering the Hudler Gaudreau line. Panik is only playing 8 minutes a game and seems like he could be in the top 6 if he could find some consistency.
The top 6 is looking very good going into next year with only Krejci and Bergeron struggling a tad but it kind of works out as they are both on contract years. We may look to improve on the number 3 center and let one of the Granlunds stay in the minors for one more year but overall we are very excited about the forward group moving forward.
That's it for our forwards, check us out tomorrow where we will break down our defense and goaltenders and the years they are having in the NHL this season!